Abidjan, February 10, 2024 – In a press conference held in Abidjan on Friday, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe refrained from confirming the dates for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025, citing numerous logistical challenges.
“The focus for all of us now is Ivory Coast,” remarked Motsepe, emphasising the current attention on the ongoing AFCON in Ivory Coast, set to conclude this weekend.
Traditionally held every two years, the AFCON has faced an unusual delay of six months in its current edition due to concerns about the rainy season in West Africa. Now, planning for the next edition, slated to take place in Morocco in 2025, encounters significant hurdles.
One proposed timeframe is January and February. However, this tight window poses challenges for organising a qualifying competition, especially with FIFA-sanctioned dates in June already allocated for qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Moroccan Football Federation recently issued a statement suggesting a “summer 2025” schedule for the tournament. Still, this option faces a clash with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup scheduled for June and July in North America.
Motsepe acknowledged the complexities, stating, “There are a lot of competing events at the same time, but we are confident that… it is indeed going to be around that time.” However, he did not provide a definitive confirmation.
Attempting to delay the AFCON until 2026 seems challenging due to the first 48-team World Cup scheduled for that year in North America. Motsepe recognised the need to accommodate other competing competitions but expressed confidence in the success of AFCON 2025.
“We have to accommodate other competing competitions, but the AFCON next year is going to be an immense success, and we will make further announcements in due course,” Motsepe assured when pressed about the competition’s status for 2025.
The uncertainty surrounding the AFCON dates underscores the intricate balancing act required to navigate the crowded international football calendar. As stakeholders await further announcements, the football community remains on the edge of anticipation, eager to witness the resolution of these scheduling challenges.
